{"id":16665,"date":"2016-11-17T22:14:53","date_gmt":"2016-11-18T03:14:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/how-augmented-reality-improves-supply-chain-management-for-dhl\/"},"modified":"2016-11-17T22:14:53","modified_gmt":"2016-11-18T03:14:53","slug":"how-augmented-reality-improves-supply-chain-management-for-dhl","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/how-augmented-reality-improves-supply-chain-management-for-dhl\/","title":{"rendered":"How Augmented Reality improves supply chain management for DHL"},"content":{"rendered":"

The next industry transformation in logistics may have just appeared as a pair of Augmented Reality glasses at DHL.<\/p>\n

DHL is one of the world\u2019s leading logistics companies, with $59 billion revenue and operations in 220 countries. The company successfully ran a set of experiments last year using smart glasses to improve its warehouse operator efficiency by 25%.1<\/sup> DHL now wants to scale its new AR technology across the globe and use it to improve all parts of its supply chain operations.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Augmented Reality is a technology that layers computer generated information, images and interactive features on top of a person\u2019s real field of vision. The goal of AR is to make existing reality enhanced with more meaning and interaction. AR often takes the form of software applications run on mobile hardware, such as mobile phones or computer equipped glasses.3<\/sup><\/p>\n

In DHL\u2019s warehousing operations, every order must be picked by an operator and moved to the right platform for customer delivery. Each operator must keep track of specified quantities, package types and zip codes, requiring great attention to detail. Operators are required to count inventory and manage data entries related to order picking. Any damage or misplacement of orders means additional cost for the company. The task of order picking accounts for 60% of DHL\u2019s total cost of warehousing operations.<\/p>\n

While most warehouses in the western world still use a paper based approach for order picking, DHL attempted to solve these human complexities by introducing order picking software, mounted on the operator\u2019s head in the form of Augmented Reality glasses.<\/p>\n

\"vuzix_einsatz_dhl\"<\/a><\/p>\n

DHL\u2019s new AR glasses improve efficiency in a number of ways. First, when workers look at digital picking lists, the glasses present the best route to load the order, reducing travel time in the warehouse. Second, workers no longer have to scan packages using barcode scanners with their hands, as the glasses do that for them. Finally, image recognition software will check that the worker has arrived to the right location when picking up the orders, and guide them to the correct item on the shelf.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

AR has had a remarkable impact on DHL, contributing a 25% increase in worker efficiency and a 40% reduction in errors in settings where it has been implemented.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What\u2019s next?<\/strong><\/p>\n

DHL\u2019s strategy with regards to Augmented Reality is simple:\u00a0 roll out the technology as quickly as possible. Following its initial success with \u201cvision picking\u201d in warehouse order management, DHL is now rolling out pilot programs to live warehouses in the US, UK and mainland Europe.4<\/sup><\/p>\n

DHL believes that Augmented Reality can positively impact other parts of its supply chain, as well. For example, the AR glasses can improve transportation efficiency. When picking up packages, the glasses can save time through automated completeness checks and pickup confirmations. When shipping packages abroad, the glasses can provide necessary trade documentation and translate labels. When dropping off packages, the glasses can ensure load optimization and more efficient navigation for first-time deliveries, both outdoors and indoors.<\/p>\n

The potential for improvement outside of the warehouse also seems significant. In transportation, for example, \u201cdrivers spend between 40% and 60% of their time away from the distribution center not driving. Instead, they spend much of this time locating the correct boxes within their truck for the next delivery.\u201d2<\/sup> If DHL could use AR to eliminate half the time spent on locating packages and delivery locations, they may also see a 25% increase in worker efficiency outside of the warehouse.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What else could they do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

While DHL has found ways to improve the efficiency of its employees, many of their tasks are still repetitive and require little creativity. In order to remain competitive long-term, DHL should investigate opportunities to reduce its workforce through automation. The fully automated warehouse may remain an expensive dream, due to high R&D, fixed and maintenance costs. However, many tedious and simple tasks can all be done by machines, such as moving an order to its loading bay, registering inventory, or sorting packages by zip code.<\/p>\n

DHL is at the forefront of using Augmented Reality in logistics, but staff wages still made up 33% of operating costs in 2015.5<\/sup> By reducing this line item by 50%, the company could increase its EBIT four-fold. With Amazon and e-commerce on the rise, an innovative DHL has the opportunity to grow more quickly than the market, ultimately becoming an unquestioned leader in the express logistics space.\u00a0<\/sup><\/p>\n

(747 Words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Endnotes<\/strong><\/p>\n

1<\/sup> DHL Press Release, \u201cDHL successfully tests Augmented Reality application in warehouse\u201d, http:\/\/www.dhl.com\/en\/press\/releases\/releases_2015\/logistics\/dhl_successfully_tests_augmented_reality_application_in_warehouse.html<\/a>, Jan. 26, 2015, accessed Nov. 17 2016.<\/p>\n

2<\/sup> DHL, \u201cAugmented Reality in Logistics\u201d, http:\/\/www.dhl.com\/content\/dam\/downloads\/g0\/about_us\/logistics_insights\/csi_augmented_reality_report_290414.pdf<\/a>, Apr. 29 2014, accessed Nov. 17 2016.<\/p>\n

3<\/sup> Scientific American, \u201cAugmented Reality:\u00a0 A New Way of Seeing\u201d, http:\/\/www.nature.com\/scientificamerican\/journal\/v286\/n4\/pdf\/scientificamerican0402-48.pdf<\/a>, Apr. 2 2002, accessed Nov. 17 2016.<\/p>\n

4<\/sup> AppsTechNews, \u201cDHL launches next wave of \u2018vision picking\u2019 AR program\u201d, http:\/\/www.appstechnews.com\/news\/2016\/sep\/01\/dhl-launches-next-wave-vision-picking-ar-program\/<\/a>, Sep. 1 2016, accessed Nov. 17 2016.<\/p>\n

5<\/sup> DHL, \u201c2015 Annual Report\u201d, http:\/\/www.dpdhl.com\/content\/dam\/dpdhl\/Investors\/Events\/Reporting\/2016\/FY2015\/DPDHL_2015_Annual_Report.pdf<\/a>, accessed Nov. 17 2016.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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